program. He can barely walk and she was saying that is as good as it will get???? I was shocked - so she and another therapist spoke and the other therapist is going to try to work with Rick for the next three weeks. I so hope that there is some improvement - I just hate to think that they can't help him any furthere - he can barely walk - as a snails pace and he has so much trouble with his foot, too. No movement in the toes, at all. His short term disablility insurance also runs out - this week - no telling whether or not SSI (social sercuity disability) will allow him to be qualified to receive that, either. So, we will be totally without funds, until we know - everything that we had in the last couple weeks went to pay our months rent - so we have a roof over our head for 30 days. Your prayers would be appreciated and very much needed at this time. I have faith that things will work out - but I also believe in the power of prayer. Help us, in anyway that you can, if you don't pray please think of us - in some small way - do whatever it is that you do for those that you care about - please help us!!!!!

I will pray for you and Rick that your problem fing a end,
that our love give you strengh to go throw that hard time.
We share your pain.
Love
Cathie Jones

Thankyou - one and all - I feel the power of prayer working in our lives - Rick had two sessions with the new therapist this week - we have scheduled through the next month with him - he has some really good idea's and a manner of speaking to Rick - that he needed - he basically told him - that he was there to help Rick - to do the things that Rick needed to do - to get better - that he was strong - he could help Rick not fall - it was up to Rick to take what he was showing him and go with it - I saw Rick climb up on boxes - that were two feet high - and then resting on his bad leg/foot - he walked down a hallway - with assistance - but without a cane - at a high rate of speed - I was shocked - this therapist got more out of Rick in two sessions than I ever thought possible - what a couple days that was - it was totally amazing - THANKS for the prayers - many more are needed to get us through this - but they are working and we so appreciate them.

Shirlene, am praying and waiting on the notice from you that prayers are being answered!!

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by shirlener88 06 Aug 2010

Gerry thank you dear - we sure appreciate it.

I will so be praying for Rick and yourself....I know God can do wonders in His perfect timing....my heart goes out to you as I know what it's like to care for a husband....my husband had an accident on a job 4 years ago and loss a good part of the use of his arm.....since then he has had a mild stroke, broke a knee cap, and in Jan. this year due to cancer had a kidney removed....he's doing much better but will always have constant pain in his arm due to nerve damage that will not heal.....I'm not trying to take away from situation I just want you to know God has brought us through each of these trials and I'm so thankful....some days can be very trying but God has continued to be with us....therapy made such a difference and I pray it will be so for Rick also.....my husband got approved for SSdiasablility the first time as I'm sure Rick will also.....my heart and my prayers are with you...Janet

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by shirlener88 06 Aug 2010

Janet, thank you - it is never good to know that another had to go through so much - but I know if you two have made it through it - Rick and I can as well - thank you for sharing this - for me and Rick - we appreciate the prayers.

Shirlene, I am glad the new therapist seems to be better than the old one. You and Rick are in so many prayers and constantly lifted up to the Lord. Never forget God will never leave you or forsake you. He WILL take care of you. Never doubt it. Much love.

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by shirlener88 06 Aug 2010

Anne, thank you so very much - the new/old - just have different ways of dealing with things - one a male the other a female - also one is stronger and the other more nurturing. We will see as time passes - how things work out - I know that God had his hand in this - as well.

Shirlene, Sorry to take so long to find you message to us all. Idon't come here very often. I am so glad I did. I send you both a lot of love and prayers. Glad the new therapist is working out. Praying for you Mildred

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by shirlener88 06 Aug 2010

Mildred, dear - thanks for stopping by - glad you did, too. We appreciate the prayers and we know - that God has something in mind for us to do. I am sure this therapist is what Rick needed at this time - he has a new motivation and a drive - that he didn't have before. So, it was worth it.

Many years ago, my grandfather had a stroke, when we went to the hospital the doctor in the ER was just going to let him go...then his Cardiology waled in, he asked the other doctor about medicacions,etc., the Cardiologist was furious and told the other man remarking the word DOCTOR, IT IS YOUR JOB TO DO ALL YOU CAN, AS LONG AS YOU ARE ALIVE YOU ARE HERE TO HELP AND GOD TO MAKE THE FINAL DECISION!!!My grandfather was the best Christian I ever known, and he lived a normal live for about another 25 years...so God has the final Word and HE HEAL US.

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by shirlener88 06 Aug 2010

Thanks for sharing Maria.

My dear Shirlene and Rick : my thoughts and prayers are with you both. I'm sure you will come through this difficult time - "That which does not destroy us makes us stronger" may be an old aphorism, but that doesn't mean it isn't true

Much love
Dianne x x x

1 images:[1]

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by shirlener88 06 Aug 2010

Dianne, you are so dear - thank you so much - I know this time is making us stronger and we will make it through - I appreciate this more than you might ever know. THANKS!

That is such a shame, praying the new therapist can help him more. You are in my thoughts, we share your pain.

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by shirlener88 06 Aug 2010

Debra, thank you so much - the new one seems to be doing great - just two visits so far.

Shirlene & Rick, you both have been in my daily thoughts and prayers for months now. I wish I could be there to help you in some way. I can only keep thinking of you and praying for you. I think when God puts these obstacles in front of us it makes us stronger and I am sure he has a plan to work things out for you. I will continue to pray for you daily. Hugs, Mary

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by shirlener88 06 Aug 2010

Mary dear, thank you - your prayers are welcome and we appreciate them greatly.

I will certainly pray and think of you and rick everyday. Hugs Lisa

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by shirlener88 06 Aug 2010

Lisa, thanks so very much - we do appreciate the prayers and thoughts.

Shirlene, I am so sorry that Rick is not doing any better at this time. My prayers are with you.

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by shirlener88 06 Aug 2010

Thank you dear - we do appreciate it very much.

Oh Shirlene ,Iam so sorry to hear this news,u will always be in my prayers.love tanuja

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by shirlener88 06 Aug 2010

Tanuja, thank you so much dear one. We appreciate your prayers.

Shirlene, I am so sorry to hear all this you will remain in my prayers & ther is no reason why he should not get SS Disability. Keep your chin up. Arlene

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by shirlener88 05 Aug 2010

Arlene, thank you so much - that is just waht I told him this very afternoon - to stop worrying and just keep his chin up - Hehehe! Love

I have not stopped praying for you and for Rick. Please keep us informed.

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by shirlener88 05 Aug 2010

Karen, thank you so much - Rick is doing well - with the new therapist. No word on the quilification of SSI, yet.

Oh Shirlene, I feel so for the two of you, and also wish I could do something for you, but the only thing I can do, is to pray with you. I believe, that because
you believe, and that I do know, He will always be there for you and when you think things will not get better, He will come up with a answer for you. Just keep on talking to our Lord.
Will always say that exstra little prayer for you. Just keep the sunny side up, I know it is difficult, but also
know that it helps.
Will carry on praying, lots of warm hugs and may God bless you and your family.
Marietta

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by shirlener88 04 Aug 2010

Marietta, thank you dear one - I appreciate your prayers and you great advice. We will keep on keeping on.

My dear friend, so sorry to hear things are so rough for you and Rick, but like the sounds of this new therapist and what he has tried out on Rick since you posted this message, let's hope things improve ...you are always in my thoughts and prayers, take care Hugs Glenda x0x0x0x

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by shirlener88 04 Aug 2010

Glenda dear - thank you - I do believe this guy will work out for Rick - I liked the way he approached him and got him to do things - that Rick hadn't done before that visit - one visit - hard to tell - but I did think the two of them meshed and I know it will be good for Rick. Thanks so much for your prayers, especailly.

Shirlene, I wish there was something I could say or do to make things better for you and Rick. I will remember you in my prayers. Doctors, nurses, and therapists all make mistakes. Recovery takes a long, long time and lots of hard work. The Lord will take care of you...I'm sure of that.

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by shirlener88 04 Aug 2010

Reva, thank you do - I am not sure any of them have made mistakes - but I am grateful for what they have done and I am sure that this recovery process will take a very long while - we just passed the 6 months - so we expect there to be much more going on for a long while - thank you so much for your support and I too believe that the Lord is watching out for us and has something in mind, too. Love!

Shirlene, I don't think I need to remind you but just in case; the miracle's do not come from the Dr's and Nurses but they come from the Lord and within. Keep your faith and do not give up hope. Maybe the therapist knows what she is talking about. Mabe it is not in her power any longer. The Lord, Rick and you plus time, yes time, will be his redeeming grace. If you believe in the Lord and Rick has patience and gives his best everyday then you can expect miracles from within.
There is no medical reason that I am alive, walking, doing for myself(sometimes not so great) and I live alone. I fought like crazy to get up and get well and I prayed and believed in the Lord! On a almost comical note, but not really, my toes on my right foot had no feeling in them and they would not move. My nerves were permanetly damaged and over 6 years later they still do not move but it never had anything to do with the way I got around. I still have muscle spasms in my back and severe pain in my legs that no Dr in Atlanta can explain. I can not go back to the life I was living but I do have a life and I am able to live alone. It took 3 yrs for me to get disability and I had one of the best lawyers in Ga. for the claim. I finally got it after I was scheduled to appear in court and I was in a nursing home flat on my back. My lawyer had to go to court and testify for me. It is about a third of what I was making when I was working but somehow I have survived BUT with much less! I do not have a penny to spend on anything but bills but I do eat and have a decent place to live. Have faith. The Lord will not let yo down if you believe and try. Hugs and prayers go to you and Rick. I do pray that all will be much better very soon. Linda

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by shirlener88 03 Aug 2010

Linda, thank you for your tstimoney - that we can survive and get through this time - we so appreicate it - I know that there will be a way to handle all of this - with God's help - we can do most anything.

Hi Shirlene,

I was so upset to read this post - sorry this is happening to you. You are in my daily prayers and thoughts and I like many others on here are keeping you upheld to our Lord.

I didn't come onto the personal tab on Monday when I downloaded the post about John Deer, something is following.

Love and blessings Chris

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by shirlener88 03 Aug 2010

My dear Chris, thank you for your love and support - I didn't mean to upset you. We do appreciate the love and support that so many have offered.

Today it has been six months - since Rick's stroke - he started with the new therapist and I have to say - I loved his approach with Rick right from the beginnine - he made Rick do some things that he had never done to this day - I was amazed - that it worked and that Rick do so well - so already the prayers are working - we are in a much better light and we can see - that there can be a very good outcome from all this.

Now, to get that SSI to approve him and we can get on with life - as it comes to us. I know that the Lord is preparing us for a much better future - with the things that have happened - I know that he has something in store for the both of us. I feel it.

Love!

My Dear Friend Shirlene, You have such faith. I'm working on something, I'll let you know more when we meet.
Hugs & Prayers.

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by shirlener88 03 Aug 2010

Terri, thank you dear - I do appreciate whatever it is - I so look forward to our meeting - I have to have faith - for without it - I would have nothing. Love!

My dearest Shirlene, I am so sad to hear this news. I wish I could be by your side. I am holding your hands in mine and praying for improvement for Rick. Never give up on prayer and on therapy. I have not been on much lately because pipes burst in the bathroom and we have to gut and repair and replace everything. I also have my friend who is dying from cancer and this weighs on my heart. Take care and a big squeeze and hug from me to you.
Cindy B.

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by shirlener88 03 Aug 2010

Cindy dear, I just sent you a note on your posting - I will be praying for you. Thank you for the prayers and the hand holding - we appreciate it. I will be doing the same for you dear one.

Shirlene our prayers will go up for you and Rick.

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by shirlener88 02 Aug 2010

Kathy, thank you so very much - we really do appreciate it.

Dear Shirlene I am sorry to hear that Rick has yet much difficult to walk, and his recovery is not so good.Even if his therapist do not want to go on perhaps another could help to him.I am sure that he has the will to continue to progress. You have my thoughts and prayers every day.Be strong, nothing is definitivly lost.Hugs and love Claude

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by shirlener88 02 Aug 2010

Claude dear, thank you - he will start with a new guy tomorrow morning and we are hoping that he will help him along the road to recovery. Thanks!

Dear Shirlene and Rick, you are always in my prayers and I am thinking of you everyday. This is a very trying time for you and may God grant you the strength to be strong during this time. Remember that the Cute family are standing behind you and keep you in our prayers. God bless. All my love, Annatjie

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by shirlener88 02 Aug 2010

Anna, thank you so very much - you all are just so special - we do appreciate the prayers and the support from each of you. THANKS!

My heart goes out to Rick and You!I am so soryy to hear that Rick is not doing well.prayers and hugs april

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by shirlener88 02 Aug 2010

April thank you dear - we appreciate your prayers and hugs!

Shirlene, I am sooo sorry to hear that Rick is not doing well. You know Rick and you are in my prayers. GOD bless you both. H&*

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by shirlener88 02 Aug 2010

Sally dear, thank you so very much - we do appreciate your prayers.

Dear Shirlene, I am so soryy to hear this. I wish I could do more to help than offer my prayers - and I too believe in the power of them.
Big hugs, Martine

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by shirlener88 02 Aug 2010

Martine,you are so sweet - we do appreciate the prayers - as I said - the power of prayer really does work. We appreciate it so very much, my dear.

Shirlene, My heart goes out to Rick and You! And I will keep you two in our prays and thoughts! I truely love how your faith is strong during these trying timess for we know only the lord can see us through with the assistance of others! Big hugs Kim

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by shirlener88 02 Aug 2010

Kim, thank you so much - the power of prayer is awesome - He surely has something in store for us. *4U

Oh, Shirlene, I really wish I could help you. All I can offer right now is to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Take care. Hugs Lynn

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by shirlener88 02 Aug 2010

Lynn, thank you - that is a great help and I do believe in the power of prayer.

You will certainly continue to be in my prayers and thoughts. The others gave you some good places to check for help. Do check with you local govt. to see what is available in you area. In our area we have several food bank organizations. Your local churches would also be able to direct you to places of assistance.

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by shirlener88 01 Aug 2010

Carolyn, thanks - I will check them all!

Shirlene, please know that I have and will be praying for you and Rick. God knows your every need and He is a big God, so hang on tight and see what He has for you. I pray that through all this illness and scary times you will feel God's arms holding you close and carring you along the way. We all need to walk by faith and not by sight as we go along life's way, and when things get hard for us to hold up under, we know who we can call on. ***4U both. In Christ, Judy

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by shirlener88 01 Aug 2010

Judy, thak you dear - we sure appreciate your thoughtfulness and always your prayers.

Oh my.......... wish I could help. You will be in my thoughts.

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by shirlener88 01 Aug 2010

Thanks - that is what we were hoping for!

Shirlene, you have been given very sound advise from two wonderful cuties, so I won't add to it. I just want to say, if you haven't read the devotional I sent to you, read yesterdays and today's. It is so like the Lord to put something in front of us to carry us through the deepest darkest times of our lives. Keep you eyes focused on Jesus and HE will see you through. He will give you strength, knowledge, and encouragement through His word. Will continue to keep you and Rick in my prayers, I have even got you on our prayer list with the church.
Love, Hugs and prayers... Terre

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by shirlener88 01 Aug 2010

Terre, thank you - I have been reading the devotional and it is helping me tremediously - thank you. I know that the Lord is always with me - I sense that and know there is something that He has in store for us - I apprecaite the prayers and being on your church prayer list, too. That is heart warming. All the changes in our life has always been for the better - I know to shape the future I need to be dealing with the present. I appreciate your thougtfulness - have a blessed Sunday.

Dear Shirlene, I wish so much I could do more than just hold your hand on this computer, and pray with you. Try to let your faith overcome your very real and justified fear. Call Social Security, and see if Rick can apply for disability right away, and see what your state welfare office has in the way of food stamps, emergency funds, etc. Call the offices of your state senators and representatives, see what help may be available. You have paid taxes all these years, now you deserve to get some of it back in help as others have gotten it from your tax dollars. I will pray for courage & strength for you to ask and to receive, because sometimes that's the hardest thing there is to do when this cold fear knots your insides. You know if love were gold you'd have sacks and sacks full from all of us here! Wish it were that easy, but you both do have my prayers, hugs, Marji

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by shirlener88 31 Jul 2010

Marji, thankyou for the sound advice - I will follow through with it, too. I do appreciate your kindness, dear.

Shirlene,
Don't give up. I expect that you know what the therapist has been doing; keep on doing those exercises with Rick. Also, watch what the other therapist does, and learn all you can from him/her, so you can continue therapy on your own at home.
Is he a veteran? Veterans benefits can help with medicines and medical care, too.
Check with your church; perhaps a special contribution may be offered to see you through these times. Check with other churches in your area -- many have benevolent funds budgeted to help people through difficult times, and they do not have to be members of that church.
Talk with your landlord and other creditors -- many times, only nominal payments might be worked out for the time when you are on very scarce funds.
Look into local food banks and other community/governmental funds/programs available to help you through this.
And, of course, lift your voice to God, asking His help. I will be lifting you up to Him; you and Rick will get through this. And, you will look back on this and be amazed at what God will have done in your lives.
Blessings, dear ones--
Diane

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by shirlener88 31 Jul 2010

Diane, thank you for your sound advice - I will follow through and see what we can do. We so appreciate your sweet remarks. We do know that the good Lord has something in mind for us.